The Alabama Crimson Tide got it done with a dominant 49-18 victory over the LaNorris Sellers and the South Carolina Gamecocks at home, fueled by a five-touchdown performance from Keelon Russell.
The difference between winning and losing Saturday came through the air. Alabama narrowly edged the Gamecocks in total yards, while South Carolina held the advantage on the ground. The Crimson Tide ultimately separated themselves in the passing game, with Russell throwing for 162 more yards than the Sellers.
1. (8) Alabama: 2-0 (CONF), 4-0 (OVR)
2. (21) Florida: 2-0 (CONF), 4-0 (OVR)
3. (2) Georgia: 2-0 (CONF), 4-0 (OVR)
4. (1) Texas: 1-0 (CONF), 4-0 (OVR)
5. (24) Mississippi State: 1-0 (CONF), 3-0 (OVR)
6. Auburn: 1-1 (CONF), 3-1 (OVR)
7. Kentucky: 1-1 (CONF), 3-1 (OVR)
8. (4) Ole Miss: 1-1 (CONF), 3-1 (OVR)
9. (19) Mizzouri: 0-0 (CONF), 3-0 (OVR)
10. (14) Tennessee: 0-1 (CONF), 3-1 (OVR)
11. Vanderbilt: 0-1 (CONF), 3-1 (OVR)
12. (10) LSU: 0-1 (CONF), 2-1 (OVR)
13. (23) Texas A&M: 0-1 (CONF), 2-1 (OVR)
14. Oklahoma: 0-1 (CONF), 2-2 (OVR)
15. Arkansas: 0-1 (CONF), 1-2 (OVR)
16. South Carolina: 0-2 (CONF), 2-2 (OVR)
Alabama scored two touchdowns in the first quarter, making a statement early and taking a 14-0 lead. Russell opened the scoring with a 75-yard connection to Lotzeir Brooks for a touchdown before following it up with a 32-yard scoring strike to Ryan Coleman-Williams.
Bama added three more scores in the second quarter, with the most impressive coming from the defense. Defensive back Red Morgan returned an interception 23 yards for a pick-six.
Sellers’ highlight of the game came late in the second quarter when he found Nyck Harbor for a deep touchdown connection as the Gamecocks trailed the Crimson Tide 35-10 at the break.
Defense reigned for both teams in the third quarter, with Alabama punting on each of its three possessions and South Carolina punting on both of its drives.
The Gamecocks found the end zone for just the second time in the fourth quarter on a 13-play, 75-yard drive, ending with a Matt Fuller rushing touchdown and a successful two-point conversion to chip away at Alabama’s lead.
South Carolina’s hopes were quickly squashed as Alabama responded with a Daniel Hill rushing touchdown, a forced fumble and, to put the cherry on top, a touchdown run from Russell to close out the game and secure the 31-point victory.
Alabama will hit the road to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs next Saturday, while South Carolina will look to bounce back at home against the Kentucky Wildcats the same day.
